Page 289 of 336

Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye X
Remove the towing eye from the stowage
space.
The towing eye is beneath the cargo
compartmen tfloor with the vehicle tool kit
(Y page 274).
Vehicles with the TIREFIT kit :the towing
eye is beneath the tire inflation
compressor.
X Press the mark on cover :inwards in the
direction of the arrow.
X Take cover :off the opening.
X Screw the towing eye in clockwise to the
stop and tighten it.
Removing the towing eye X
Loosen the towing eye and unscrew it.
X Attach cover :to the bumper and press
until it engages.
X Place the towing eye in the stowage well
beneath the cargo compartmentf loor
(Y page 274) in the cargo compartment.
X Vehicles with the TIREFIT kit: put back the
tire inflation compressor. Towing the vehicle with the front axle
raised
! The ignition must be switched off if the
vehicle is being towed with the front axle
raised. Otherwise, ESP ®
may intervene and
damage the brake system.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position P.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Deactivate automatic locking
(Y page 191).
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 99).
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and leave the SmartKey in the
ignition lock.
When towing your vehicle with the front axle
raised, it is importan tthat you observe the
safety instructions (Y page 285). Towing
avehicle with both axles on
the ground G
WARNING
The power assistance for the steering and the
brake force booster do not work when the
engine is not running. You will then need
much more effort to brake and steer the
vehicle .Adapt your style of driving
accordingly.
i In order to signal a change of direction
when towing with the hazard warning lamps
switched on, use the combination switch as
usual. In this case, only the turn signals for
the desired direction flash. When you reset
the combination switch, the hazard
warning lamps start flashing again. 286
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance
Page 290 of 336

The automatic transmission automatically
shifts to position
Pwhen you open the driver's
or front-passenger door or when you remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock. In order
to ensure that the automatic transmission
stays in position Nwhen towing the vehicle,
you must observe the following points:
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
X Leave the SmartKey in position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 99).
It is importan tthat you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Y page 285). Transporting the vehicle
! Only lash the vehicle down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Shift the transmission to position N.
As soon as the vehicle is loaded:
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
X Secure the vehicle.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting
purposes. Tow-starting (emergency starting)
! Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could
otherwise damage the automatic
transmission.
When tow-starting, it is important that you
observe the safety instructions (Y page 285). Fuses
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Only use fuses that have been approved for
Mercedes-Ben zvehicles and that have the
correct fuse rating for the systems
concerned. Do not attempt to repair or bridge
faulty fuses. Using fuses that have not been
approved or attempting to repair or bridge
faulty fuses could cause the fuse to be
overloaded and result in afire. Have the cause
traced and rectified at a qualified specialist
workshop.
! Only use fuses that have been approved
for Mercedes-Ben zvehicles and which
have the correct fuse rating for the system
concerned. Only use fuses marked with an
"S". Otherwise, components or systems
could be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If afuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
stop operating.
Blown fuses must be replace dwith fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart.
If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Ben zCenter. Fuses
287Breakdown assistance Z
Page 291 of 336

Before changing a fuse
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 141).
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it (Y page 127).
All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
must be off.
The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
R Fuse bo xinthe engine compartmentont he
left-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
R Fuse box in the front-passenger footwell
The fuse allocation chart is on the fuse box in
the front-passenger footwell (Y page 288).Fuse box in the engine compartment
! Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses. X
Open the hood.
X Remove any existing moisture from the
fuse box using a dry cloth.
X To open: open clamps ;.
X Fold up cover :in the direction of the
arrow and remove it. X
To close: check whether the seal is seated
correctly in cover :.
X Insert cover :at the back into openings
= on the fuse box.
X Fold down cover :.
X Hook clamps ;into the fuse box and
close.
X Close the hood. Fuse box in the front-passenger
footwell
X
To open: remove the floormat from the
front-passenger side.
X Fold out perforated floor covering :in the
direction of the arrow. 288
FusesBreakdown assistance
Page 292 of 336
X
To release cover =, press retaining
clamp ;.
X Fold out cover =in the direction of the
arrow to the catch.
X Remove cover =forwards.
i Fuse allocation chart ?is located on the
lower right-hand side of cover =.
X To close: insert cover =on the left-hand
side of the fuse box into the retainer.
Cover =engages in the retainers.
X Fold down cover =until clamps ;lock
audibly.
X Fold back perforated floor covering :. Fuses
289Breakdown assistance Z
Page 293 of 336
Page 294 of 336
Useful information
............................292
Important safety notes ....................292
Operation ........................................... 292
Winter operation ............................... 294
Tire pressure ..................................... 295
Loading the vehicle ..........................300
Maximum load rating .......................303
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .......................................... 304
Tire labeling ....................................... 305
Definition of terms for tires and
loading ............................................... 309
Changing awheel ............................. 312
Wheel and tire combinations ...........316
Emergency spare wheel ...................318 291Wheels and tires
Page 295 of 336

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 23).Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If wheels and tires of the wrong size are used,
the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is arisk of accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part (designation, manufacturer, model). G
WARNING
Af lat tire severely impairs the driving,
steering and braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Tires without run-flat characteristics:
R do not drive with aflat tire.
R immediately replace the flat tire with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Tires with run-flat characteristics:
R pay attention to the information and
warning notices on MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Ben zorare not being
used correctly can impair the operating
safety. Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist
workshop and inquire about:
R
suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
For information on dimensions and types of
wheels and tires for yourv ehicle, see
(Y page 316).
Information on air pressure for the tires on
your vehicle can be found:
R on the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard on the B-pillar
R on the tire pressure label on the fuel filler
flap
R under "tire pressure"
i Further information on wheels and tires
can be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop. Operation
Information on driving
R If the vehicle is heavily laden, chec kthe tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
R While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling
characteristics, e.g. pulling to one side.
This may indicate that the wheels or tires
are damaged. If you suspect that a tire is
defective, reduce your speed immediately.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible to
check the wheels and tires for damage.
Hidden tire damage could also be causing
the unusual handling characteristics. If you
find no signs of damage, have the wheels
and tires checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
R When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb
or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive
over curbs, speed humps or similar
elevations, try to do so slowly and at an
obtuse angle. Otherwise, the tires, 292
OperationWheels and tires
Page 296 of 336

particularly the sidewalls, may be
damaged.
Regular checking of wheels and tires
G
WARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle. There is a risk of
accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
Regularly checkt he wheels and tires of your
vehicle for damage at least once a month, as
well as after driving off-road or on rough
roads. Damaged wheels can cause a loss of
tire pressure. Pay particular attention to
damage such as:
R cuts in the tires
R punctures
R tears in the tires
R bulges on tires
R deformation or severe corrosion on wheels
Regularly check the tire tread depth and the
condition of the tread across the whole width
of the tire (Y page 293). If necessary, turn
the front wheels to full lock in order to inspect
the inner side of the tire surface.
All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
mount anything onto the valve other than the
standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Ben zfor your vehicle.
Do not use any other valve caps or systems,
e.g. tire pressure monitoring systems.
Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
particularly prior to long trips. Adjust the tire
pressure as necessary (Y page 295).
The service life of tires depends, among other
things, on the following factors:
R Driving style
R Tire pressure
R Distance covered Tire tread
G
WARNING
Insufficient tire tread will reduce tire traction.
The tire is no longer able to dissipate water.
This means that on wet road surfaces, the risk
of hydroplaning increases, in particular where
speed is not adapted to suit the driving
conditions. There is a risk of accident.
If the tire pressure is too high or too low, tires
may exhibit different levels of wear at
different locations on the tire tread. Thus, you
should regularly check the tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the entire
width of all tires.
Minimum tire tread depth for:
R Summer tires: âin (3 mm)
R M+S tires: ãin (4 mm)
For safety reasons, replace the tires before
the legally prescribed limit for the minimum
tire tread depth is reached. Bar indicator
:for tread wear is integrated
into the tire tread.
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. Six indicators are positioned on the tire
tread. They are visible once the tread depth
is approximately áin (1.6 mm). If this is the
case, the tire is so worn that it must be
replaced. Operation
293Wheels and tires Z